MISENER, Chester Misener

The family of Chester Misener shares with sadness the news of his passing on November 25, 2025 in Stratford.

Chester Carl Misener was born on April 24, 1930 to Frank and Eva (Mettler) Misener. He was predeceased by his loving wife Diane (Martin), his brothers George and Bruce and his sister June.

Chester will be greatly missed by his children Julie (Leon Levin), Mary (Bruce Bauer), James (Leanne Marriott) and Stephen (Andrea née Cleaves). He was the loving grandfather of Alyssa, Ben, Beth, Clara, Emily, Justin, Katie and Nick (Kelsey) and great-grandfather of Ashton.

Chester and his siblings grew up working on a family fruit and vegetable farm near Ridgeville, Ontario. A man of extraordinary perseverance from a young age, he was committed to the underdog. In high school, Chester organized a bus boycott on a point of social justice and persuaded his peers to join him in walking to school – until the first snow. He continued to walk the miles by himself through the Winter and into Spring.

Chester studied economics at Queen’s and law at Osgoode Hall. He had a sharp mind and a formidable work ethic and served as the first law clerk at the Ontario Court of Appeal. In 1957, Chester joined a law firm in Stratford where he met the love of his life, Diane. They were married on July 15, 1960. They purchased their dream home on Centre Street in 1967 where they would live together for nearly 60 years. Chester was appointed as a Superior Court judge in 1976, retiring from the bench in 2005 and later working to determine compensation for victims of Dr. Charles Smith. Throughout his career, Chester was admired for his quick mind, encyclopedic knowledge of the law, and compassion. As a lawyer, he provided many people with free legal services. His children remember the many gifts his grateful clients would offer him and the countless people who would stop him on the street to thank him for his help.

After retirement, Chester and Diane travelled and found great joy in spending time together with family and friends.

Chester cared with absolute devotion to his wife, Diane after her devastating diagnosis of dementia, ensuring that she would stay in their home until the end. He suffered her loss in 2024 and found comfort in visits from family, friends and neighbours. He constantly sought perfection in the landscaping of his home and his rose garden was a particular passion. His gardening plans for the Spring of 2026 were already in progress. Throughout his life, he was an avid devotee of world affairs, politics and the pursuit of common sense. His weather forecasts, sharp wit and insightful wisdom will be greatly missed.

As expressions of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to the UNHCR Ukraine Emergency Fund or to John Howard Society – Through the following link (https://johnhoward.on.ca/donate-now/) or by credit card through the donation option below.

A celebration of life for both Chester and Diane will be held in the future.